An animal welfare charity in West Hougham has secured victory in a landmark legal case to end the licensing of a UK puppy farm.

Chancepixies in Gravel Lane, won a judicial review in the High Court to stop one of the country’s largest puppy farms being allowed to trade.

Judge Mr Justice Edis quashed the licence that was issued by North Kesteven District Council in Lincolnshire.

Heidi and David Anderson from Chancepixies

Chancepixies’ victory in the case, originally filed in March 2016, is the first step in its fight to end the puppy farming trade for good.

Heidi Anderson, trustee and co-founder of Chancepixies, said: “The recent ruling is an important legal precedent that will play a key role in our fight to end puppy farming.

“We can now challenge similar licenses issued by councils across England and dismantle the infrastructure supporting this disgusting trade.

“This will help to make sure that only breeders who abide by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 are able to get a dog breeding licence.

“These breeders must provide proper care for their dogs and the puppies that they breed, keeping them in a suitable environment where they are free from pain, suffering or disease.

"The recent ruling is an important legal precedent that will play a key role in our fight to end puppy farming" - Heidi Anderson

“It will also help to make sure that pet lovers can provide a home for puppies and older dogs, safe in the knowledge that they have been bred responsibly and raised in conditions that support better health and good temperaments.”

Last week the charity secured the result it had worked for with the two licences issued to North Kesteven District Council on January 1 and June 27 of this year, quashed.

The ruling will come into effect on October 18.

It will then need a new licence, requiring an inspection by council officials and a veterinarian, or cease its breeding programme.